Jana Wilcox Lavin

Jana, Principal, was a founding member of GSX in 2003 following her work on the Communication and Research staffs at the National Skill Standards Board. During her tenure as a GSX Staff member, Jana was responsible for corporate identity, recruitment of industry partners and execution of Business Development strategies. Currently, her work at GSX involves organizational strategy, oversight of communication efforts including marketing and corporate messaging.

In 2007, Jana made a transition out of the day-to-day operations at GSX to pursue more hands-on work in philanthropy. She served for two years as Marketing and Development Director for Vizion Group, a social enterprise firm that invested in and implemented fundraising and marketing programs for non-profits nationwide. In June of 2009, Jana made a shift back to the world of education and joined Scholar Academies to serve as a member of the Senior Management Team, which crafted, and is executing, its education reform strategic plan to serve more (elementary) students across three regions. Currently, Jana serves as the Chief Program Officer and Interim Executive Director of the Memphis region.

Additionally, Jana has served in multiple volunteer roles including serving as a member of The Hotchkiss School Board of Governors and as Lead Fundraiser for her graduating class, acting as once-a-year coordinator for the Humane Society of the United States Rural Area Veterinary Services program in the Native Nations in addition to serving as Humane Assistant at the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Jana received a B.A. from Tulane University and an M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication from Emerson College.

Some X-Facts about Jana

Believes that high quality education is a right of all children, but her skills are best used outside of the classroom.

Credits boarding school as being a “game changer” in the trajectory of her personal and professional life.

Had a brief stint as a child actress.

Loves animals and spends much of her free time helping them in any way she can.